Bhubaneswar: A 48-hour complete shutdown has been declared for the Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak town starting from 8 pm tonight. The announcement was made by Chief Secretary of Government of Odisha Asit Tripathy in a special press meet today afternoon at Geeta Govind Sadan.

In his address, Tripathy said that the announcement was made in consideration of the spike in cases all over of India and the fear of community transmission looming large in the State after the discovery of the fifth COVID-19 positive case who had no travel history.

He also urged the citizens of the two places to not go for panic shopping and instead stay back in homes. Tripathy said that essential commodities shop would remain closed in these two places and with a restriction on the number of pharmacies which will remain during this 48-hour period which will be decided by local governing bodies.

He praised the public’s cooperation so far and requested everyone to continue their support in such times of crisis. The Chief Secretary cautioned that strict action will be taken against anyone violating the lockdown guidelines and would be put in State-sponsored quarantine centres.

Accompanying Tripathy was Odisha DGP Abhay who said this shutdown is very similar to a curfew with certain minor differences.

Reiterating the Chief Secretary, Abhay said that there is absolutely no need to panic. He added that the passes that were previously issued during the lockdown will remain suspended during these 48 hours and of those belonging to emergency services can avail special passes by dialling 100 Police helpline number.

“We are trying to increase the number of ambulances in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak. In case of medical emergencies instead of venturing out, you can avail an ambulance,” said the DGP.